One prominent occurrence in the Bible that brings up many questions concerning salvation is the thief Jesus spoke to as He hung on the Cross of Calvary. Matthew and Mark record that both criminals were "hurling abuse at Him" (Matthew 27:38-54; Mark 15:27-38.) But Luke records that one of these men as he hung beside Jesus rebuked the other criminal for his abuse. He then said, "Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom." Jesus answered saying, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise." (Luke 23:42-43) Jesus knew that this man's heart was pure even if he was suffering punishment of crimes committed.

            This text has become a favorite argument of those who do not believe that baptism is essential to receive forgiveness of sins, under the New Covenant (Testament). They say that, "the thief on the cross was saved and not baptized," and in turn they do not believe they are required to be baptized to receive forgiveness of sins. They are not consistent in this doctrine (teaching), since they do not use this text to show that one need not attend Bible class, worship, give or study the Bible. It might be concluded the thief on the cross did not do any of the above, so it would not be required of us today.

            As with all questions concerning the inspired word of God one must study diligently to understand what God has stated in his word. (2 Timothy 2:15.) Please take the time and research each verse sighted in this study.

THE THIEF COULD HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED

            It is reasonable that the thief could have been baptized before committing his crime or before going to the cross. He did know enough about Jesus to ask about His kingdom and respected Him enough to rebuke the other thief for his insults. John the Immerser had been "preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins" all around the Jordan (Luke 3:3). And in Luke 7:29 we learn "All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John". Because of this man's actions on the cross, he could have been baptized by John for the forgiveness of his sins, and heard the preaching and teaching of Jesus.

JESUS HAD THE POWER TO FORGIVE SINS

AS HE CHOSE BEFORE HIS DEATH

            During the time Jesus was here on earth He had the authority to forgive sins any way He desired (Matthew 9:6). In times past God set forth how man could be saved. Consider Abel who was sanctified by sacrificing burnt offerings (Hebrews 11:4) Noah was saved by building an ark (1 Peter 3:20-21). Abraham obeyed God by offering his son (James 2:21-23). The Rich Young Ruler was told by Jesus to give all of his possessions to the poor if he wanted to be saved (Matthew 19:21). And Jesus told the thief on the cross that he would "be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43) Throughout the ages man was given a way to have his sins forgiven. One must consider which covenant we are under today, the Old Covenant (Testament) or the New Covenant (Testament).

THE NEW COVENANT WAS NOT IN EFFECT

            We read about the thief in what we call the Gospels. These are uninspired writings given us by God so we may know about the life and teachings of Christ while on earth. What we must remember is the New Covenant (Testament) was not in effect when Jesus or the thief died. It was not until Jesus died that the Old Covenant was fulfilled and the New covenant came into effect. (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:39; Colossians 2:13-14). While Christ lived He could set forth the way one could receive salvation, but with His death the New Covenant was set into place. Hebrews 8:13 says, "by calling this covenant `new,’ He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear." Then the fulfillment of this passage is seen in Hebrews 9:16-17, "In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, because a will is in force only when somebody had died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living." Thus, the New Covenant was not in effect when the thief died, so he was not obligated to conform to it’s commandments. Since Jesus Christ did die on the cross and was raised on the third day, setting the New Covenant into effect, we must be those who are obedient to His commandments in that New Covenant.

GOD REQUIRES BAPTISM TODAY IF ONE IS TO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE CLEANSING BLOOD OF CHRIST

            The thief could not be baptized into the baptism of Christ’s death, because Christ had not yet died. He could not be buried with Christ in baptism because Christ had not yet been buried. He could not be raised with Christ to walk in a new life, because Christ had not been raised (Romans 6:3-5). He could not obey the great commission because it had not been given. (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). He could not become a member of Christ’s church, because it had not been established until the first Pentecost after the resurrection. (Acts 2). He could not obey the New Covenant, because it was not in effect. This means that we cannot be pleasing to God being disobedient to the New Covenant.

            Today the New Covenant is in effect and God desires for mankind to be obedient to that covenant. (1 John 5:3; 2 John 6). Let us consider what the New Covenant commands us to do concerning baptism:

1. Baptism is part of the great commission given for all mankind to obey.

            (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 7:21)

2. Baptism is commanded.

            (Acts 10:48; John 3:3-5)

3. Baptism is necessary.

            (Acts 9:6, not "must do" then read Acts 22:1-16)

4. Baptism is for the forgiveness of sins.

            (Acts 2:38)

5. Baptism precedes one living a new life.         

(Romans 6:3-8, 17-18).

6. Baptism puts one into Christ.

            (Galatians 3:27-29)

7. Baptism puts one into Christ’s One Church  

(Acts 2:41,47; 1 Corinthians 12:13;      Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:4-6; Romans 16:16)

8. Baptism is in order to be saved

            (Mark 16:15-16; 1 Peter 3:18-21)

            We have considered the thief on the cross and how his situation affects us today as those seeking eternal life with Christ Jesus. It is my hope and prayer that you have considered your situation and compared it with the word of God. If you want to be with Jesus in paradise you must be obedient to the New Covenant. Do not let heaven pass away before you decide to become a Christian.

J.E. Werhan `94